As the link between Facebook usage and work comes under closer scrutiny, several states have made it a law that employers cannot request social media passwords to check up on their employees. California companies and public universities will not be able to ask for social media or email passwords, according to a law signed Thursday by Gov. Jerry Brown.

As the link between Facebook usage and work comes under closer scrutiny, several states have made it a law that employers cannot request social media passwords to check up on their employees. California companies and public universities will not be able to ask for social media or email passwords, according to a law signed Thursday by Gov. Jerry Brown.

Brown, who was also California’s governor from 1975 to 1983, announced the signing of Assembly Bill 1844 and Senate Bill 1349 on his Twitter page, as well:

Today I signed two bills to prohibit universities and employers from demanding your social media passwords … California pioneered the social media revolution. These laws protect Californians from unwarranted invasions of their social media accounts.

Earlier this year, Illinois and Maryland passed similar laws. This is a major ruling for California, the most populous state in the country.

Readers: Has an employer ever asked for your Facebook login information? How did you handle that situation?